In the summer of 2012 we embarked on a remodel of our 1912 Craftsman. We wanted to redo the kitchen and the upper floor which contained the master bedroom, bathroom, guest room and office. We interviewed approximately 5 other architects prior to finding Mark. We knew right away he was the right person for the job. He was patient, thorough and we could tell he truly loved our home and wanted to work with us to make it even better. His vast experience showed through during the interview process which validated his portfolio. Mark truly became a trusted advisor who would guide us through this remodel process from beginning to end. His planning was precise and he came by many times to re-measure to get every detail accounted for. He was patient and helpful as we made decisions and then changed our minds! He was with us every week of the 10 weeks of the remodel. He attended each weekly meeting with the General Contractor and was at the house numerous other times guiding and really looking out for our best interests. I came to trust him enough to ask his opinion on almost everything from layout to colors and decorating tips! He consistently threw out ideas....many of which we took. Additionally Mark was a tremendous help in referring us to contractors, designers, and retailers to help us along the way. I am ecstatic over the results of the remodel. The kitchen and bath are truly beautiful and full of modern conveniences while maintaining the integrity of the 1912 structure. We were right about our decision to hire Mark and we wholehearted recommend him as an outstanding architect, and more!!

Devon Banks Photography
Example of a transitional l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, subway tile backsplash, an island and gray countertops

Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Houston

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional galley light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Portland with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite countertops, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances and a peninsula

Charm & quality are apparent in this house, renovated by KBC Design/Build. Completely redesigned for functionality in mind. There is a new kitchen with a massive island and new stainless steel appliances. A bar area is placed in the kitchen. New built-ins and white paneled columns separate the central living area from the kitchen, while leaving an open concept feel. Gorgeous hardwood and natural light throughout main level. Photos by: Mark Mahan

After her successful kitchen remodeling experience, Kate offers a few tips for IKEA customers. “I say ‘do it!’And use IKD. If nothing else, the fact that IKD sends a detailed item list will make your trip to IKEA to buy your kitchen so painless. When we went, the sales associate at our local IKEA could not believe the documentation we brought. The extra items list from IKD blew her mind. There were folks in the department who had clearly been there for hours trying to order. All we had to do was walk up with our pre-printed IKD list, have the sales associate type in each item number, and we were good to go.” Kate adds: “I also suggest to inventory your boxes/goods after IKEA delivers. I used the list from IKD and between inventorying, labeling, and checking each box it took me a good four and a half hours. It was well worth it to have the boxes organized and labelled, and we did not have a single item missing (including miscellaneous items).” She concludes: “IKD is the real deal and I was so pleased with the experience with our designer. She was so responsive and the process was quick. I am constantly telling people it was the best value for our money that we spent in the entire remodel process.”

Living Room in Rolling Hills Dr | Transitional New Build in Cave Creek, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Furnishings | Project Name: Rolling Hills Dr | Key Feature: A fully furnished transitional home designed to feel sophisticated and collected without being precious, so the clients could actually live in it and have their grandkids over without a second thought. Challenge: The clients had just completed a new build and needed a home that reflected their taste and life stage. They wanted something that felt elevated and intentional but not stiff or untouchable. The risk with transitional design at this level is that it can tip too far in either direction, ending up either too formal to live in or too casual to feel designed. Finding that balance in a brand new home with no existing character to work from is harder than it sounds. Solution: Living with Lolo furnished the entire home with pieces that layered sophistication with genuine comfort. Every selection was made with real life in mind, durable enough for grandkids, beautiful enough for entertaining, and cohesive enough to feel like a designer put it together rather than a furniture showroom. The transitional direction gave the home warmth and timelessness without leaning on trends that would feel dated in a few years. Materials: Transitional furnishings with a mix of natural textures, comfortable upholstery, layered rugs and textiles, and curated accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $75,000 to $200,000 | Timeline: Approximately 3 to 6 months from design through installation.

Family Room in Rolling Hills Dr | Transitional New Build in Cave Creek, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Furnishings | Project Name: Rolling Hills Dr | Key Feature: A fully furnished transitional home designed to feel sophisticated and collected without being precious, so the clients could actually live in it and have their grandkids over without a second thought. Challenge: The clients had just completed a new build and needed a home that reflected their taste and life stage. They wanted something that felt elevated and intentional but not stiff or untouchable. The risk with transitional design at this level is that it can tip too far in either direction, ending up either too formal to live in or too casual to feel designed. Finding that balance in a brand new home with no existing character to work from is harder than it sounds. Solution: Living with Lolo furnished the entire home with pieces that layered sophistication with genuine comfort. Every selection was made with real life in mind, durable enough for grandkids, beautiful enough for entertaining, and cohesive enough to feel like a designer put it together rather than a furniture showroom. The transitional direction gave the home warmth and timelessness without leaning on trends that would feel dated in a few years. Materials: Transitional furnishings with a mix of natural textures, comfortable upholstery, layered rugs and textiles, and curated accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $75,000 to $200,000 | Timeline: Approximately 3 to 6 months from design through installation.

Family Room in Rolling Hills Dr | Transitional New Build in Cave Creek, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Furnishings | Project Name: Rolling Hills Dr | Key Feature: A fully furnished transitional home designed to feel sophisticated and collected without being precious, so the clients could actually live in it and have their grandkids over without a second thought. Challenge: The clients had just completed a new build and needed a home that reflected their taste and life stage. They wanted something that felt elevated and intentional but not stiff or untouchable. The risk with transitional design at this level is that it can tip too far in either direction, ending up either too formal to live in or too casual to feel designed. Finding that balance in a brand new home with no existing character to work from is harder than it sounds. Solution: Living with Lolo furnished the entire home with pieces that layered sophistication with genuine comfort. Every selection was made with real life in mind, durable enough for grandkids, beautiful enough for entertaining, and cohesive enough to feel like a designer put it together rather than a furniture showroom. The transitional direction gave the home warmth and timelessness without leaning on trends that would feel dated in a few years. Materials: Transitional furnishings with a mix of natural textures, comfortable upholstery, layered rugs and textiles, and curated accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $75,000 to $200,000 | Timeline: Approximately 3 to 6 months from design through installation.

Dining Room in Rolling Hills Dr | Transitional New Build in Cave Creek, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Furnishings | Project Name: Rolling Hills Dr | Key Feature: A fully furnished transitional home designed to feel sophisticated and collected without being precious, so the clients could actually live in it and have their grandkids over without a second thought. Challenge: The clients had just completed a new build and needed a home that reflected their taste and life stage. They wanted something that felt elevated and intentional but not stiff or untouchable. The risk with transitional design at this level is that it can tip too far in either direction, ending up either too formal to live in or too casual to feel designed. Finding that balance in a brand new home with no existing character to work from is harder than it sounds. Solution: Living with Lolo furnished the entire home with pieces that layered sophistication with genuine comfort. Every selection was made with real life in mind, durable enough for grandkids, beautiful enough for entertaining, and cohesive enough to feel like a designer put it together rather than a furniture showroom. The transitional direction gave the home warmth and timelessness without leaning on trends that would feel dated in a few years. Materials: Transitional furnishings with a mix of natural textures, comfortable upholstery, layered rugs and textiles, and curated accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $75,000 to $200,000 | Timeline: Approximately 3 to 6 months from design through installation.

Family Room in Rolling Hills Dr | Transitional New Build in Cave Creek, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Furnishings | Project Name: Rolling Hills Dr | Key Feature: A fully furnished transitional home designed to feel sophisticated and collected without being precious, so the clients could actually live in it and have their grandkids over without a second thought. Challenge: The clients had just completed a new build and needed a home that reflected their taste and life stage. They wanted something that felt elevated and intentional but not stiff or untouchable. The risk with transitional design at this level is that it can tip too far in either direction, ending up either too formal to live in or too casual to feel designed. Finding that balance in a brand new home with no existing character to work from is harder than it sounds. Solution: Living with Lolo furnished the entire home with pieces that layered sophistication with genuine comfort. Every selection was made with real life in mind, durable enough for grandkids, beautiful enough for entertaining, and cohesive enough to feel like a designer put it together rather than a furniture showroom. The transitional direction gave the home warmth and timelessness without leaning on trends that would feel dated in a few years. Materials: Transitional furnishings with a mix of natural textures, comfortable upholstery, layered rugs and textiles, and curated accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $75,000 to $200,000 | Timeline: Approximately 3 to 6 months from design through installation.

Family Room in Rolling Hills Dr | Transitional New Build in Cave Creek, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Furnishings | Project Name: Rolling Hills Dr | Key Feature: A fully furnished transitional home designed to feel sophisticated and collected without being precious, so the clients could actually live in it and have their grandkids over without a second thought. Challenge: The clients had just completed a new build and needed a home that reflected their taste and life stage. They wanted something that felt elevated and intentional but not stiff or untouchable. The risk with transitional design at this level is that it can tip too far in either direction, ending up either too formal to live in or too casual to feel designed. Finding that balance in a brand new home with no existing character to work from is harder than it sounds. Solution: Living with Lolo furnished the entire home with pieces that layered sophistication with genuine comfort. Every selection was made with real life in mind, durable enough for grandkids, beautiful enough for entertaining, and cohesive enough to feel like a designer put it together rather than a furniture showroom. The transitional direction gave the home warmth and timelessness without leaning on trends that would feel dated in a few years. Materials: Transitional furnishings with a mix of natural textures, comfortable upholstery, layered rugs and textiles, and curated accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $75,000 to $200,000 | Timeline: Approximately 3 to 6 months from design through installation.

Family Room in Rolling Hills Dr | Transitional New Build in Cave Creek, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Furnishings | Project Name: Rolling Hills Dr | Key Feature: A fully furnished transitional home designed to feel sophisticated and collected without being precious, so the clients could actually live in it and have their grandkids over without a second thought. Challenge: The clients had just completed a new build and needed a home that reflected their taste and life stage. They wanted something that felt elevated and intentional but not stiff or untouchable. The risk with transitional design at this level is that it can tip too far in either direction, ending up either too formal to live in or too casual to feel designed. Finding that balance in a brand new home with no existing character to work from is harder than it sounds. Solution: Living with Lolo furnished the entire home with pieces that layered sophistication with genuine comfort. Every selection was made with real life in mind, durable enough for grandkids, beautiful enough for entertaining, and cohesive enough to feel like a designer put it together rather than a furniture showroom. The transitional direction gave the home warmth and timelessness without leaning on trends that would feel dated in a few years. Materials: Transitional furnishings with a mix of natural textures, comfortable upholstery, layered rugs and textiles, and curated accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $75,000 to $200,000 | Timeline: Approximately 3 to 6 months from design through installation.

Family Room in Rolling Hills Dr | Transitional New Build in Cave Creek, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Furnishings | Project Name: Rolling Hills Dr | Key Feature: A fully furnished transitional home designed to feel sophisticated and collected without being precious, so the clients could actually live in it and have their grandkids over without a second thought. Challenge: The clients had just completed a new build and needed a home that reflected their taste and life stage. They wanted something that felt elevated and intentional but not stiff or untouchable. The risk with transitional design at this level is that it can tip too far in either direction, ending up either too formal to live in or too casual to feel designed. Finding that balance in a brand new home with no existing character to work from is harder than it sounds. Solution: Living with Lolo furnished the entire home with pieces that layered sophistication with genuine comfort. Every selection was made with real life in mind, durable enough for grandkids, beautiful enough for entertaining, and cohesive enough to feel like a designer put it together rather than a furniture showroom. The transitional direction gave the home warmth and timelessness without leaning on trends that would feel dated in a few years. Materials: Transitional furnishings with a mix of natural textures, comfortable upholstery, layered rugs and textiles, and curated accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $75,000 to $200,000 | Timeline: Approximately 3 to 6 months from design through installation.

Family Room in Rolling Hills Dr | Transitional New Build in Cave Creek, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Furnishings | Project Name: Rolling Hills Dr | Key Feature: A fully furnished transitional home designed to feel sophisticated and collected without being precious, so the clients could actually live in it and have their grandkids over without a second thought. Challenge: The clients had just completed a new build and needed a home that reflected their taste and life stage. They wanted something that felt elevated and intentional but not stiff or untouchable. The risk with transitional design at this level is that it can tip too far in either direction, ending up either too formal to live in or too casual to feel designed. Finding that balance in a brand new home with no existing character to work from is harder than it sounds. Solution: Living with Lolo furnished the entire home with pieces that layered sophistication with genuine comfort. Every selection was made with real life in mind, durable enough for grandkids, beautiful enough for entertaining, and cohesive enough to feel like a designer put it together rather than a furniture showroom. The transitional direction gave the home warmth and timelessness without leaning on trends that would feel dated in a few years. Materials: Transitional furnishings with a mix of natural textures, comfortable upholstery, layered rugs and textiles, and curated accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $75,000 to $200,000 | Timeline: Approximately 3 to 6 months from design through installation.

Family Room in Rolling Hills Dr | Transitional New Build in Cave Creek, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Furnishings | Project Name: Rolling Hills Dr | Key Feature: A fully furnished transitional home designed to feel sophisticated and collected without being precious, so the clients could actually live in it and have their grandkids over without a second thought. Challenge: The clients had just completed a new build and needed a home that reflected their taste and life stage. They wanted something that felt elevated and intentional but not stiff or untouchable. The risk with transitional design at this level is that it can tip too far in either direction, ending up either too formal to live in or too casual to feel designed. Finding that balance in a brand new home with no existing character to work from is harder than it sounds. Solution: Living with Lolo furnished the entire home with pieces that layered sophistication with genuine comfort. Every selection was made with real life in mind, durable enough for grandkids, beautiful enough for entertaining, and cohesive enough to feel like a designer put it together rather than a furniture showroom. The transitional direction gave the home warmth and timelessness without leaning on trends that would feel dated in a few years. Materials: Transitional furnishings with a mix of natural textures, comfortable upholstery, layered rugs and textiles, and curated accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $75,000 to $200,000 | Timeline: Approximately 3 to 6 months from design through installation.

Family Room in Rolling Hills Dr | Transitional New Build in Cave Creek, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Furnishings | Project Name: Rolling Hills Dr | Key Feature: A fully furnished transitional home designed to feel sophisticated and collected without being precious, so the clients could actually live in it and have their grandkids over without a second thought. Challenge: The clients had just completed a new build and needed a home that reflected their taste and life stage. They wanted something that felt elevated and intentional but not stiff or untouchable. The risk with transitional design at this level is that it can tip too far in either direction, ending up either too formal to live in or too casual to feel designed. Finding that balance in a brand new home with no existing character to work from is harder than it sounds. Solution: Living with Lolo furnished the entire home with pieces that layered sophistication with genuine comfort. Every selection was made with real life in mind, durable enough for grandkids, beautiful enough for entertaining, and cohesive enough to feel like a designer put it together rather than a furniture showroom. The transitional direction gave the home warmth and timelessness without leaning on trends that would feel dated in a few years. Materials: Transitional furnishings with a mix of natural textures, comfortable upholstery, layered rugs and textiles, and curated accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $75,000 to $200,000 | Timeline: Approximately 3 to 6 months from design through installation.